Posted on June 22, 2009 in latest news
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a virus which causes respiratory illness. Although children and adults can overcome this infection, infants under the 6 months of age can have severe effects of this RSV virus. RSV infection has symptoms similar to cold such as stuffy, runny nose and sore throat. Most of the children are prone to get this infection by the time they reach 2 years.
RSV is highly contagious and can be spread through air or touch. RSV in infants is usually caused when an adult or a sibling comes home with an infection and touches or sneezes/coughs near the infant. The following are the symptoms of RSV:
- Cough/ Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness
If you find deep coughing and wheezing in your child, it is recommended that you consult your doctor.
The Danger of RSV in infants:
RSV affects the respiratory system and large amount of mucus in produced. Excess mucus in infants can block their bronchioles and airways, resulting in bronchiolitis. Severe symptoms of RSV can also lead to pneumonia in infants.
Infants under 6 months of age, premature babies, and those with immune system problems can have severe effects of RSV infection.
RSV Treatment:
To treat RSV in infants:
- Prop up the head of the child to enable free breathing
- Suction out mucus with the help of a bulb syringe
- To reduce fever, you can give ibuprofen or acetaminopeh. However, do not give aspirin.
If the symptoms become worse, do consult your doctor for immediate treatment.
Prevention of RSV in Infants:
Here are a few tips to prevent RSV in infants:
- Wash your hands and teach your children to do the same to avoid the spread of infection
- Use a tissue or cover yourself whenever you cough or sneeze to avoid the exposure of the virus to the infant
- Avoid exposing the baby to the infected individuals
RSV in infants can last from 5 to 12 days. Proper care and treatment would ensure the baby is safe and protected from further complications.
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